Responsive Classroom Class

We have been learning ways to incorporate responsive classroom into our class. It has been eye opening how some teachers feel towards their students. One teacher said that she could not see the goodness in students anymore after we talked about a quote from "Teacher Langauge rests on a deep abiding faith in the goodness in children, a belief in thier desire and ability to learn." The Power or our Words by: Paula Denton.

We had a deep conversation about how she could not see the goodness in her 6th graders. I was deeply sad inside for her and her students. Then another teacher that teaches 6th grade with her talked about the similar belief about the students. I wouldn't want to teach anymore if I felt those feelings. I think that the students would pick up on those feelings and the community of the classroom would diminish and falter. I think that this class on responsive classroom will be good for everyone involved and I hope that these teachers can find the goodness in their students again.

I guess I have been thinking a lot about "What make a great teacher?" What characteristics are found in a person to make them a great teacher. I have been in many classrooms, some I just want to stay and contribute to the working environment and other I want to leave as quickly as possible. I am sure that the students feel the same way. That question intrigues me, and I find myself reflecting upon the question and my positive and negative contributions in the classroom. I would hope that the students know how much I care about them as a group and as individuals. I think that is the foundation to a great teacher....Ang